Should the Lakers Wait for Kyrie Irving or Trade Now for Buddy Hield? How Badly Do They Need a Deal?

Some interesting numbers were released today by our friends at Betonline - namely, the first look at win projections. Every team gets a marker set, and bettors can go over or under. Well, almost every team. The Lakers and Brooklyn Nets were conspicuously off the board. Why? Because people are expecting trades (or at least recognizing the possibility) and understand the impact could have a massive impact on win totals. If the Nets trade Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, for example, and if the Lakers both ditch Russell Westbrook, and/or acquire someone like Irving or perhaps Indiana sharpshooter Buddy Hield and maybe center Myles Turner. They're not giving the Lakers a number until they know what kind of team that number is assigned to. It indicates a big range of potential outcomes, depending on what the Lakers do. So first, how badly do the Lakers need a trade? Is there any other way they can add shooting beyond packages from Indiana or Brooklyn (which could also throw in Joe Harris and Seth Curry, depending on the offer)? Vegas wouldn't put a number on the Lakers yet, but if it did, what would be the right figure? Are the Lakers a .500 squad? Could they reasonably crack 50 wins if everything that needs to go right does? Finally, the Lakers will have choices to make. There's no question that Irving is a much better talent than Hield, but waiting for Kyrie might mean never making a deal at all, since Brooklyn isn't operating on LA's timeline. On the other hand, does adding Hield and/or Turner make the Lakers good enough to contend? No easy answers. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers aren't on the board, so to speak, as Betonline releases its first estimates of win totals this season. SEGMENT 2: Given the roster construction right now, what is a realistic win projection? How badly do the Lakers need to swing a deal to have even a fighting chance to contend? SEGMENT 3: Hield or Irving? On talent, it's an easy question. But talent isn't the only thing driving the question. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices